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Sanyo Shinkansen Ride Review | Osaka to Fukuoka Travel Guide
Sanyo Shinkansen Ride Report
- Time: 10:23 → 12:59 (Approx. 2 hours 36 minutes)
- Route: Fukuoka (Hakata Station) → Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station)
- Seat: Reserved
- Fare: ¥16,020
9:40 AM, Hakata Station in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Today, I’m taking the Sanyo Shinkansen.
My destination is Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.
The journey takes about two and a half hours.
I was scheduled to board the Tokyo-bound “Nozomi” departing at 10:15 AM.
The “Nozomi,” along with the “Mizuho,” makes fewer stops than other trains,
offering a speedy trip to your destination.
First, I headed to the Midori no Madoguchi ticket machines to pick up my ticket.
Although it’s a weekday, today is Friday.
With the weekend just around the corner, Hakata Station was busier than I expected.
A long line had formed in front of the ticket machines.
All machines had a similar wait time.
I had already reserved my ticket online.
All I needed to do was pick it up, but even that required waiting.
Good thing I came early, thinking it might be crowded.
After waiting about 10 minutes, I finally got my ticket.
Before heading to the platform, I stopped by a nearby convenience store to grab a drink for the train.
I noticed a clear cup filled with frozen fruits.
Apparently, if you place it in a special machine, it turns into a freshly made smoothie.
Out of curiosity, I bought one (¥330).
I peeled off the plastic lid and went to set it in the machine—but the little window wouldn’t open.
The monitor said, “Please scan the barcode.”
Since I had peeled off the lid a bit roughly, the barcode got wrinkled and wouldn’t scan easily.
After adjusting the angle a few times, it finally went “beep,”
the window opened, and I placed the cup inside.
I pressed the start button,
and the fruit began spinning rapidly—before I knew it, the smoothie was done.
Finally, I took out the smoothie and went to grab a lid from a nearby shelf—but none seemed to fit.
The shelf had labels like “Hot Coffee L” and “Hot Coffee R,”
but no sign of anything for smoothies.
I fumbled around in front of the shelf, unsure what to do.
I randomly picked one of the transparent lids—and luckily, it fit perfectly!
At last, the smoothie was ready.
After the long line at the ticket machine and the smoothie saga,
I realized it was already 10:11 AM.
With only four minutes until departure, I rushed toward the gate with smoothie in hand.
Of course, I didn’t make it in time—
the “Nozomi” departed right in front of me.
If I’d been a bit more efficient, I could have made it,
but I figured the experience of trying a new smoothie was worth it.
Thankfully, even though I missed the “Nozomi,”
the ticket was still valid.
Although I lost my reserved seat,
I could still ride the next train in an unreserved seat.
The next train, the “Sakura,” was departing in 13 minutes.
It makes a few more stops than the “Nozomi,”
but the travel time is only 8 minutes longer—so it doesn’t make much of a difference.
There was already a line forming at the unreserved car boarding area.
At 10:23 AM, the “Sakura” departed Hakata Station right on time.
Luckily, I managed to grab a window seat in the unreserved section.
There were many families in line,
so most were prioritizing seats together, leaving some seats open.
After sitting down, I took a quick walk around the train.
Then I connected to the free Wi-Fi and opened my laptop to get some work done.
Being able to make good use of travel time is one of the great things about the Shinkansen.
The smoothie was cold and delicious.
Three minutes before arriving at Shin-Osaka, an announcement played:
“Thank you for riding the Shinkansen today.”
“We will soon arrive at the final stop, Shin-Osaka.”
As the announcement ended, people began lining up in the aisle to get ready to disembark.
At 12:59 PM, we arrived at Shin-Osaka Station.
After passengers got off, the train was immediately cleaned by a crew.
Once cleaning was complete, the train would head back as a Kagoshima-Chuo-bound service.
Many passengers were already waiting on the platform.
I walked to the front of the train and snapped a photo for the memory before exiting through the gates.
Although I had a little mishap missing the “Nozomi,”
I still arrived in Osaka without issue—what a relief.
Time to explore Osaka.
That smoothie ended up being kind of pricey in the end…
Trains Operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen
The Sanyo Shinkansen has five types of trains: Misshiko, Nozomi, Hikari, Sakura, and Kodama.
Each Shinkansen differs in arrival speed to the destination, route, and number of stops.
Here, we’ll briefly introduce the characteristics of each Shinkansen, specifically for the route between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.
| Train Name | Mizuno |
| Launch Date | March 12, 2011 |
| Formation | N700 Series (8-car formation) |
| Length | About 200 meters (with 8-car formation) |
| Maximum Speed | 300 km/h |
| Capacity | About 600 people (varies depending on formation) |
| Stops (11 stations) | Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Kokura, Hakata |
| Train Name | Nozomi |
| Launch Date | March 14, 1992 |
| Formation | N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation) |
| Length | About 400 meters (with 16-car formation) |
| Maximum Speed | 300 km/h |
| Capacity | About 1,323 people (N700 series) |
| Stops (11 stations) | Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Kokura, Hakata |
| Train Name | Sakura |
| Launch Date | March 12, 2011 |
| Formation | N700 Series (8-car formation) |
| Length | About 200 meters (with 8-car formation) |
| Maximum Speed | 285 km/h |
| Capacity | About 600 people (varies depending on formation) |
| Stops (13 stations) | Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, ※ Himeji, ※ Aioi, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, ※ Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata |
| Train Name | Hikari |
| Launch Date | October 1, 1964 |
| Formation | N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation) |
| Length | About 400 meters (with 16-car formation) |
| Maximum Speed | 285 km/h |
| Capacity | About 1,323 people (N700 series) |
| Stops (13 stations) | Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, ※ Nishiiakashi, ※ Himeji, ※ Aioi, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, ※ Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, ※ Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata |
| Train Name | Kodama |
| Launch Date | October 1, 1964 |
| Formation | N700 Series / N700S Series (16-car formation) |
| Length | About 400 meters (with 16-car formation) |
| Maximum Speed | 285 km/h |
| Capacity | About 1,323 people (16-car formation) |
| Stops (19 stations) | Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishiiakashi, Himeji, Aioi, Okayama, Shin-Kurashiki, Fukuyama, Shin-Onomichi, Mihara, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Asa, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, Hakata |
Types of Seats
The vehicles on the Sanyo Shinkansen have three types of seats: “Unreserved Seat“, “Reserved Seat“, and “Green Seat“.
Unreserved Seat
The unreserved seat is the cheapest on the Shinkansen, and the benefit is that you can board at any time without worrying about the time.
In the case of Mizuho, the seat type was split into blue 3 seats and red 2 seats.
However, one drawback is that during peak seasons, seats are not guaranteed, so there may be times when you can’t get a seat.
There is only one power outlet available on the wall of the first and last row of the car, as well as one on the wall beside each seat, so it’s a good idea to secure a window seat.
Reserved Seats
Reserved Seat Points and Precautions
With reserved seats, you can sit in your preferred location chosen when making a reservation. This is especially recommended during busy seasons such as Obon or the year-end and New Year holidays when heavy crowds are expected.
Like with non-reserved seats, there is only one power outlet available on the wall of the first and last row of the car, and one on the wall beside each seat. It is convenient to secure a window seat. The aisle side allows for smooth movement, so choose a seat that suits you.
Reserved Seat Ticket Notes
Green Seats
Comfortable Seats and Well-Equipped Amenities
Compared to the cars with non-reserved and reserved seats, the seats are wider and there is more space between rows, making it more comfortable to travel.
The price is slightly higher, but it is popular among business travelers, offering a quiet and calm atmosphere. Additionally, there are many amenities that aren’t available in standard cars, which is another attractive feature.
Main Amenities
- Footrest function and leg warmers for comfortable feet
- Foldable table in armrest compartment for easy work
- Some seats have pursers offering wet towels and blanket rentals
- More calm lighting compared to regular cars, and with the use of a reading light, you can illuminate your work area
Additionally, there is a power outlet at the tip of each armrest, making it convenient for charging your smartphone or laptop. You can work without worrying about battery life during your trip.
Recommended Large Luggage Seats for Stroller Users
When traveling with a stroller, it is recommended to use the seats with large luggage space.
In regular seats, the stroller may protrude into the aisle, potentially blocking the passage unintentionally.
If you have large luggage (total of 3 sides more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm), it is important to reserve a seat with large luggage space.
Using this space requires an additional 1,000 yen char
Sanyō Shinkansen Car Interior Map
Sanyō Shinkansen Interior Introduction
Around the Seats (Reserved Seats)
Power Outlets
Storage Shelves
Washbasin
Toilets
Sanyō Shinkansen Reservation & Ticket Purchase Methods
Midori no Madoguchi
In specific JR areas, there are Midori no Madoguchi (Green Windows).
If you’re a beginner and unsure about purchasing online or through agents, it’s safe to buy tickets at the Midori no Madoguchi located at specific JR stations, where you can consult with the staff.
When you visit the Midori no Madoguchi, tell the staff the date of your trip, number of passengers, and seat preference (reserved or non-reserved), and you’ll receive your ticket smoothly.
Midori no Kekkai (Ticket Vending Machine)
“Midori no Kekkai” is a ticket vending machine where you can purchase Shinkansen tickets automatically. It is available at designated JR stations.
How to Use the Midori no Kekkai Vending Machine
- Press the “Search Timetable and Purchase Ticket” button
- Select departure and arrival stations
- Select the travel date and time
- Select the number of passengers
- Select the itinerary on the “Preferred Itinerary Selection” screen
- Click on “Purchase Express Ticket + Train Ticket”
- Select the seat type
- Select the car
- Select your preferred seat location from the seat map
- Select the ticket type: “One-way” or “Round-trip”
- Insert cash or a credit card to purchase the train ticket
Internet Reservation
There are five websites where you can reserve Shinkansen tickets.
When making a reservation, check the departure location, destination, and type of train as you proceed with the booking.
On the E5489 site, you can reserve the “Super Early Bird Ticket” from 14 days before your travel date. Once you get used to it, it’s ideal to reserve online and pick up your ticket at the “Midori no Kiosk” on the day of travel.
Reservation via Travel Agencies
I have personally purchased tickets through travel agencies, and the key point is that you can buy tickets at a significantly lower price.
Although early bird discounts from internet reservations are cheap, local trains on the Shinkansen are even cheaper.
The “Kodama” local Shinkansen I used in the past between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. I used the plan from Japan Travel called “[Affordable Trip with Kodama, Hikari, and Tsubame from Shin-Osaka ⇔ Fukuoka (Hakata, Kokura), Kumamoto]“, and traveled for 11,300 yen.
■ Comparison of regular fare and affordable plan for Shinkansen “Kodama”
| Regular Fare | Adult One-way 15,480 yen |
| Japan Travel Discount Plan | Adult One-way 11,300 yen |
By using the Discount Plan, you can get a ticket 4,180 yen cheaper than the regular fare, so it’s highly recommended!
Moreover, this price includes the reserved seat fee, so it’s quite affordable.
Since it’s a local train, the arrival time will inevitably be longer.
- From Shin-Osaka to Hakata | Shinkansen “Nozomi / Mizuho” travel time – 2 hours 28 minutes
- From Shin-Osaka to Hakata | Shinkansen “Kodama” travel time – 4 hours 30 minutes
Using the local train, it takes about 4 hours 30 minutes one-way from Shin-Osaka to Hakata.
It takes time, but it’s a plan I want to actively use for travel or returning home.
▼ Official Japan Travel Website – Discount Plan Page
https://www.nta.co.jp/jr/shinkansen/kodama
Sanyō Shinkansen Fare
Shin-Osaka to Hakata
| Seat | Total Fare | Ticket Fare | Express Fee |
| Unreserved Seat | 14,750 yen | 9,790 yen | 4,960 yen |
| Reserved Seat | 16,020 yen | 9,790 yen | 6,230 yen |
| Green Seat | 22,090 yen | 9,790 yen | 12,300 yen |
| Seat | Total Fare | Ticket Fare | Express Fee |
| Unreserved Seat | 14,750 yen | 9,790 yen | 4,960 yen |
| Reserved Seat | 15,280 yen | 9,790 yen | 5,490 yen |
| Green Seat | 21,350 yen | 9,790 yen | 11,560 yen |
| Seat | Total Fare | Ticket Fare | Express Fee |
| Unreserved Seat | 14,750 yen | 9,790 yen | 4,960 yen |
| Reserved Seat | 15,280 yen | 9,790 yen | 5,490 yen |
Sanyō Shinkansen How to Pass Through the Shinkansen Ticket Gate
Near the Shinkansen-exclusive ticket gate, there is a large sign that says Shinkansen platform, and you cannot enter with a regular ticket.
The Shinkansen-exclusive ticket gate is blue, and it has a cool design!
How to Pass Your Ticket
- Insert your Shinkansen ticket into the ticket gate machine
- Once it is properly read, a green light will illuminate, and the ticket will be returned
- Take the ticket and pass through the gate
Check the Boarding Location on the Electronic Bulletin Board
At the Shinkansen platform, you can check the departure time and platform number on the electronic bulletin board, so make sure to check it before passing through the gate.
Sanyō Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi
There is a free service called “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi” available only for passengers on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Sanyō Shinkansen, and Kyushu Shinkansen.
The Wi-Fi supports 7 languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, German, French, and Thai.
If you have connected to Wi-Fi before, you can follow the usual steps to connect your smartphone or laptop.
- Open “Settings”
- Tap “Wi-Fi”
- Select and tap “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi”
- Enter your email address
- Review the terms of use and check to agree
- Tap “Connect to the Internet”
After entering your email address and agreeing to the terms of use, send the form.
You will receive an email from a company called “Wire and Wireless Co., Ltd.” with a registration link for authentication.
Clicking the link will complete the registration and allow you to use the free Wi-Fi.
Little-Known Luggage Size Limits for Shinkansen
The luggage that can be brought on the Shinkansen must have a total of height, width, and depth combined not exceeding 250cm, weigh no more than 30kg, and be a maximum of 2 pieces.
If your luggage is too large, it is recommended to reserve a seat with a large luggage space.
Sanyō Shinkansen (FAQ)
Phone calls are prohibited in seats and passenger cabins, but there are certain areas where calling is allowed.
If you need to make a call, you can do so in the connection area between train cars (deck).
For an 8-car formation:
Cars 1-3 – Non-reserved seats
Cars 4-5, 7-8 – Reserved seats
Car 6 – Green seats
All seats are non-smoking.
The “Mizuho” has 2+2 seating in ordinary reserved cars, whereas the “Nozomi” has 2+3 seating throughout the ordinary cars.
Since “Mizuho” has one less seat per row compared to “Nozomi,” there is more space in the ordinary car seats.
Both trains have the same fare, so if you are using an ordinary car, “Mizuho” is recommended!
Apart from the different train names, they also differ in speed.
Using a commuter train analogy:
Mizuho – Express
Sakura – Semi-express
Approximate travel time from Shin-Osaka to Hakata Station:
Mizuho – 2 hours 28 minutes
Sakura – 2 hours 39 minutes
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